Accuplacer Testing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Do I Have to Be Assessed?

Why do I have to be assessed?

The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education mandates that all students entering state colleges must complete an assessment in order to determine basic skills levels for course placement. Based on assessment, a student may be required to initially enroll in one or more Developmental or ESL courses in order to prepare for college level course work.

What Type of Test Method Is Used?

What type of test method is used?

Reading, math and writing assessments are administered with the state-mandated ACCUPLACER test, a web-based assessment system. Students who apply for enrollment in English Language courses will be assessed with the ACCUPLACER LOEP reading test and specialized grammar, writing and communication assessments.

How Long Will the ACCUPLACER Testing Take?

How long will the ACCUPLACER testing take?

The ACCUPLACER reading and math tests are un-timed and the writing test is a 50 minute timed test. Plan on approximately three hours.

What Does It Cost to Be Assessed?

What does it cost to be assessed?

There is no fee.

What Should I Bring on the Date I Take My ACCUPLACER Testing?

What should I bring on the date I take my ACCUPLACER testing?

Photo identification. You must have an NECC ID. If you do not have an NECC ID, please see above or fill out the form to get an ID . Calculators, dictionaries, and text books of any kind are not allowed to be used during testing. NO food or drinks are allowed in the testing lab.

Should I study for ACCUPLACER?

Should I study for ACCUPLACER?

When do my ACCUPLACER results expire?

All math, developmental reading and writing, and ESL course placements are valid for one year from the date of assessment. College level placements in reading and writing are valid for three years from the date of assessment.

What If I Have Already Taken the ACCUPLACER Assessment at NECC or Another College?

What if I have already taken the ACCUPLACER assessment at NECC or another college?

If your ACCUPLACER results have not expired, you should not need to retest. Call the Academic Placement & Testing Center at 978-556-3872 to ensure that your placements are up to date or to inquire about using ACCUPLACER scores from another college.

How Can I Have My ACCUPLACER Scores Faxed/Emailed to Another Institution?

How can I have my ACCUPLACER Scores faxed/emailed to another institution?

There is a $25.00 ACCUPLACER Fax/Email Fee for anyone who has taken the ACCUPLACER at NECC and is requesting that scores be faxed, emailed or mailed to another institution. To have your ACCUPLACER scores released to another institution complete the Request to have ACCUPLACER Scores Released form and pay the $25.00 fee online, mail-in or walk-in. Click here for the instructions to complete this request.

Do I still need to test if I have taken college courses before?

Students with prior college credits or SAT scores may be eligible for a partial or full waiver of the Assessment. Waivers are granted based on review of transcripts, CLEP and Advanced Placement Transcripts. Contact Enrollment Services at 978-556-3700 or the Academic Placement & Testing Center at 978-556-3448 or stop in to Enrollment Services, Advising Centers or Academic Placement & Testing Centers to inquire about the waiver process.

What If English Is Not My First Language?

What if English is not my first language?

If you have applied to the English as a Second Language Program, you will not take the general ACCUPLACER testing. Instead, you will be tested in reading, writing, grammar and communication with other tests. Appointments for ESL testing may be scheduled by calling the Academic Placement & Testing Center at either Haverhill or Lawrence.

What If I Have a Diagnosed Disability and Need Testing Accommodations?

What if I have a diagnosed disability and need testing accommodations?

Students with documented disabilities should contact the Learning Accommodations Center to arrange for special accommodations well in advance of their assessment date.

Students with documented disabilities:
Call:(978) 556-3654
Individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing:
Call: 978-241-7045 (VP/Voice)

When Will My ACCUPLACER Results Be Available?

When will my ACCUPLACER results be available?

Your results will be available within 7-10 days from the date of your assessment.

How Will I Get My ACCUPLACER Results?

How will I get my ACCUPLACER results?

You can get your results from an advisor when you register for classes. Note: Your ACCUPLACER placements WILL NOT be mailed.

When Can I Register for Classes?

When can I register for classes?

You will receive an information card at the completion of your testing session when to meet with an advisor to register for your classes or you can call the Advising Center at 978-556-3440 after 7-10 days from the date of your assessment.

What If I Am a Returning Student/or I Am Not in a Major?

What if I am a returning student/or I am not in a major?

You may be waived from some or all of the tests depending on a review of your transcript. Come into the One Stop Center, Enrollment Services on the Haverhill or Lawrence campus to inquire about the waiver process.